Students get practical PSW experience at Almonte
Wednesday, December 6, 2006 -- Natalie Miller
Almonte Country Haven is currently serving as a training ground for four personal support worker (PSW) students.

The pupils from Algonquin College’s Perth campus are getting on-site experience at the rural long-term care home. They are accompanied by a clinical instructor who works alongside them and also in conjunction with staff at The Haven, through a series of two-week placements. Almonte Country Haven Director of Care Sue Burnell-Jones says the nursing home is pleased to have the students on board as Almonte hasn’t had students at the home for some time.

“Everybody is taking them under their wing,” says Sue.

“It’s their first time out in long-term care. It’s great for the students to be in this environment.”

Dec. 4 served as the students’ orientation day and among the introductions included a staff-led in-service on the use of mechanical lifts. The students’ role initially is observing the PSW’s job duties. Each student is paired with one or two staff members and will eventually help staff meet residents’ personal care needs, assist in the dining room and help out with activities.

Residents benefit too from fresh faces and extra attention, says Sue.

Once the students become more comfortable in the environment and work with the clinical instructor they’ll be prepared to provide hands-on care, says Sue. “It’s almost like an internship. We usually hire any of these students that we have.”

Diane Echlin, the clinical instructor from Algonquin College, says the students complete two weeks of training now, two weeks in April and then a final 80-hour component during which they work hands-on with a PSW.

“I guide them through and mark them on their skills and tasks,” Diane says.

Currently, the emphasis is on helping them transition from textbook learning to hands-on training. “I try to work with the students at their own comfort level.”

Diane says she appreciates the opportunity Almonte is providing and the time staff is taking to give the students the chance to experience the PSW job role.